Garonne

Garonne (Latin Garumna), principal river of southwestern France, rising in Spain in the Maladeta range of the Pyrenees Mountains. The total length of the Garonne is 575 km (357 mi), and it drains an area of about 85,470 sq km (about 33,000 sq mi). About 48 km (about 30 mi) from the source the river enters France in Haute-Garonne Department and flows generally northeast to Toulouse, where it receives the waters of several streams, including the Neste, Salat, and Ariège. Beyond Toulouse the river becomes navigable, turns to the northwest, and receives the waters of its principal tributaries, the Tarn and Lot rivers. At the Bec d'Ambès, near Bordeaux, the Garonne joins the Dordogne River to form the Gironde estuary. Oceangoing ships navigate the river as far as the port of Bordeaux. A lateral canal parallel to the Garonne was built (1838-56) to provide a direct waterway between Bordeaux and the Canal du Midi at Toulouse. More than 50 locks control the flow of the canal, which has a fall of about 128 m (about 420 ft). The peninsula between the Garonne and Dordogne is a famous wine-producing region. The Garonne frequently overflows its banks, causing much damage; destructive flooding occurred in 1770, 1856, and 1930.